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Enhancing Holstein steers growth performance: oregano essential oil's impact on rumen development, functionality and
Yongliang Huang1, Siyu Cheng2, Jinping Shi1
1College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, 730070, China.
Animal Microbiome
|May 6, 2025
Summary
Oregano essential oil (OEO) supplementation in Holstein steers improved growth performance and rumen development by altering volatile fatty acids and digestive enzyme activity. OEO also reduced harmful rumen microorganisms and disease risk, offering insights into its bioactive effects.
Area of Science:
- Animal Science
- Ruminant Nutrition
- Microbiome Research
Background:
- Oregano essential oil (OEO) is recognized for enhancing growth and beef quality in livestock.
- The specific mechanisms by which OEO influences the rumen environment in Holstein steers remain largely uncharacterized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of dietary OEO supplementation on growth performance, rumen fermentation, digestive enzyme activity, and rumen microbiota in Holstein steers.
- To elucidate the underlying mechanisms of OEO's impact on rumen function and development.
Main Methods:
- Eighteen Holstein steers were assigned to a control diet or a diet supplemented with 20 g/(d·head) OEO for 270 days.
- Evaluated growth performance, rumen volatile fatty acids (VFA), digestive enzyme activity, rumen morphology, and microbial composition (metagenomics, metabolomics).
Main Results:
- OEO supplementation significantly increased VFA concentrations (acetate, propionate, butyrate) and digestive enzyme activity (cellulase, protease, β-glucosidase).
- Rumen development improved, evidenced by increased papillae width and micropapillary density, leading to enhanced body weight, average daily gain, carcass weight, dressing percentage, and net meat production.
- Metagenomic and metabolomic analyses showed OEO reduced methanogenic archaea and viruses while preserving beneficial bacteria; KEGG analysis indicated reduced disease risk and improved digestive function.
Conclusions:
- Dietary OEO at 20 g/(d·head) positively impacts growth performance and rumen development in Holstein steers.
- OEO modulates rumen microbiota, reducing harmful microorganisms and disease risk, highlighting its potential as a natural bioactive compound for livestock production.
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